Rising since 1985, #648 for boys today.
Popularity of Uriah since 1880
Babies named Uriah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 28 |
| 1890s | 0 | 35 |
| 1900s | 0 | 0 |
| 1910s | 0 | 103 |
| 1920s | 0 | 106 |
| 1930s | 0 | 49 |
| 1940s | 0 | 41 |
| 1950s | 0 | 38 |
| 1960s | 0 | 27 |
| 1970s | 0 | 583 |
| 1980s | 12 | 860 |
| 1990s | 167 | 1,048 |
| 2000s | 313 | 1,888 |
| 2010s | 274 | 4,850 |
| 2020s | 149 | 2,421 |
Meaning & origin
Uriah is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'God is my light.' In the modern era, it saw modest usage throughout the 20th century, with a notable rise beginning in the 1980s. As of 2025, it ranks 648th in the United States, with approximately 1 in 4,000 newborn boys receiving this name. Its popularity peaked in 2014, and it has been on an upward trajectory, especially since 1985. The name has been consistently used since the first recorded year of 1880. While not among the top names, Uriah finds particular favor in states such as Montana, New Mexico, and West Virginia, suggesting a regional preference. Families drawn to biblical names with a strong, ancient feel may appreciate Uriah's deep roots and distinctive sound.
Uriah is a Hebrew name (אוריה) derived from 'uri' (light) and 'yah' (God), meaning 'God is my light.' In the Old Testament, Uriah the Hittite was the husband of Bathsheba, a figure whose story is central to the narrative of King David. The name has been used among English-speaking Christians since the Protestant Reformation, though it has never been extremely common.
Where Uriah is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Uri, Rye
Sibling names for Uriah
Names that share Uriah's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Uriah
Names whose popularity has moved with Uriah's over the last 50 years.
